Methyl Alcohol

Drug Details

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive odor. It is widely used in various industries as a solvent and as a raw material in the production of chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. Methanol is also utilized as an antifreeze in windshield washer fluids and as a fuel in certain applications. However, it is highly toxic to humans; ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can lead to serious health effects, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, and, in severe cases, blindness or death. Due to its toxicity, methanol is often added to industrial ethanol to render it unfit for human consumption, a practice known as denaturation. Proper handling and safety measures are essential when working with methanol to prevent harmful exposure.